Election 2026
The 2026 midterms — the year also marking the 250th anniversary of the United States — include elections for every member of the U.S. House of Representatives, one-third of the U.S. Senate, many state supreme court seats, and numerous state and local officials. Voters will also evaluate ballot measures for new laws and state constitutional amendments related to abortion, the environment, voting, and other topics.
All year, State Court Report will cover the 2026 judicial elections and ballot measures that impact state constitutions, as well as election-related litigation, with explainers, analysis, data visualization, and other reporting. State courts and constitutions play an important role in elections at all levels, settling questions related to ballot access, voting processes, recount challenges, and more.
The 2026 state supreme court elections span 32 states, including races in Michigan, Montana, Nevada, North Carolina, Ohio, Texas, and Wisconsin that could change the balance of power in those states or have other significant effects.
Filters
Redistricting Litigation Heats Up
In the wake of Callais, state courts are weighing a growing number of redistricting disputes.
Virginia’s Redistricting Effort and the Laborious Process to Amend its Constitution
The Virginia Supreme Court ruled that the legislature did not follow the proper process in its attempt to amend the state constitution to allow it to redraw the state’s congressional districts.
How Courts Evaluate Election Day Requests to Keep Polls Open Late
Various factors, including the harm to voters and the option for tailored and limited relief, play into whether judges will allow voting to continue past the scheduled closing time.
The Aftermath of Callais
The U.S. Supreme Court’s ruling will embroil state courts in a new wave of battles over gerrymandering and voting rights.
State Court Oral Arguments to Watch for in April
Issues on the dockets include ranked-choice voting, de facto life sentences, so-called “shadow” foster care, and defamation against a drag performer.
Texas Primary Election Highlights the Hazards of Unnecessary Election Changes
A dubious change to procedures and competing court decisions caused voter confusion on March Election Day; the change will be reversed for the upcoming run-offs.
U.S. Supreme Court Asserts New Shadow Docket Powers Over State Courts
A stay granted in a New York redistricting case expands the Supreme Court’s emergency docket to encompass countless state court rulings.
Proposed Ballot Measure Would Limit Montana Legislature from Burdening Direct Democracy
The proposed measure is in reaction to legislative efforts to make it more difficult for citizens to amend the state constitution.